The President of the French Republic, Emmanuel MACRON, has learned with sadness of the death of the former German Chancellor Helmut KOHL.

Helmut KOHL was one of the great men of Europe and the free world.

The architect of his country’s unification, Helmut KOHL, together with François MITTERRAND, forged the unity of Europe and strengthened the Franco-German relationship.

Europe owes a great deal to Helmut KOHL for some of Europe’s biggest achievements including the Schengen, the single currency and the beginnings of European defense.

Reformer, visionary and unifier, Helmut KOHL left his mark on our shared history.

The President of the French Republic would like to send Chancellor Angela MERKEL and Germany his greatest sympathies and friendship.